02.05.2025 15:45:00
Дата публикации
Amazon has officially launched deployment of its Project Kuiper satellite constellation, a global competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink. The first launch took place on April 28, 2025, from Cape Canaveral, placing 27 of the planned 3,236 satellites into orbit.
This is the first of 80 launches planned for the $10 billion project. The satellites are deployed about 450 km above Earth and have already connected with ground stations. Amazon expects to begin providing low-latency, high-speed internet by the end of this year.
Project Kuiper was first announced in 2019 and, under its FCC license, must launch at least 1,618 satellites by mid-2026. This is only half the planned constellation, still less than Starlink’s over 7,200 active satellites.
Meanwhile, SpaceX has completed 50 Starlink launches in 2025 alone, reaching 250 total. Elon Musk’s company is authorized to expand its constellation to 34,400 satellites. Competition from other firms like Amazon Kuiper will make the satellite internet market more dynamic.
Notably, in September 2024, Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of cooperation with Amazon Kuiper. The agreement aims to deploy satellite connectivity technologies throughout the country.
The memorandum was signed by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development. According to Minister Zhaslan Madiyev, cooperation with Amazon will help ensure internet access even in the most remote regions.
Amazon Kuiper representative Jeff Kietzman stated the company intends to expand its partnership with Kazakhstan, opening up new opportunities for businesses and citizens. As competition in the satellite internet market grows, Kazakhstan aims to improve service quality and reduce costs.
Having multiple satellite providers supports resilient digital infrastructure. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the legality of such networks.
Earlier, media reported that satellite equipment imports into the country could face restrictions. Yet if Amazon Kuiper complies with regulators, the project may still proceed.
